Winter Wildlife Festival

presented by Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries​

​​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​January 25 - 27, 2019 | Princess Anne Recreation Center

Witness winter wildlife all around Virginia Beach; whether it’s following fascinating bird activity, exploring the natural areas of our community or the musings of harbor seals . Learn what it takes to properly observe and identify wildlife in their natural settings .

Registration Information

All Ages • In order to participate in excursions, you must first register for the Winter Wildlife Festival main registration . Once registered, you can sign up for the sessions listed. (Additional costs apply.) Recreation Center Membership card not required. Register online , by mail with the registration form, or in person at a recreation center.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​January 25 - 27, 2019 | Princess Anne Recreation Center

Witness winter wildlife all around Virginia Beach; whether it’s following fascinating bird activity, exploring the natural areas of our community or the musings of harbor seals . Learn what it takes to properly observe and identify wildlife in their natural settings .

Registration Information

All Ages • In order to participate in excursions, you must first register for the Winter Wildlife Festival main registration . Once registered, you can sign up for the sessions listed. (Additional costs apply.) Recreation Center Membership card not required. Register online , by mail with the registration form, or in person at a recreation center.

Friday Schedule: Excursions, Workshops & Keynote

Birding Tour of the Southern Eastern Shore

18 & up • The southern tip of the Eastern Shore offers many exciting opportunities to view a variety of wintering coastal species including waterfowl, sea birds, and shore birds. Visit the 4th Island of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Magothy Bay and Pickett's Harbor Natural Area Preserves and Kiptopeke State Park. Additional registration form required by January 11. Recommended for experienced birders. Lunch is not included in price. This day trip will require walking a total of approximately 3 miles; please wear boots as some areas may be muddy.

Birding Basics Workshop & Field Session

10 & up •Are you just starting to get into birds? Do you enjoy watching them in your backyard and wish you knew what they were? Then this class is for you! This workshop will introduce you to the pastime of birding and will cover all of the basics: how to identify birds, tips for finding birds, and the materials and equipment you need to get started. There will be an indoor presentation, followed by an outdoor nature walk to practice your new birding skills! A limited supply of binoculars will be available for loan during the class, but if you have your own, it is recommended to bring them. Recommended for new birders.

Virginia Coastal Birds Workshop

16 & up • Join national award-winning nature photographer, Bob Schamerhorn, as he discusses a wide variety of species typical to the coast through beautiful photography and entertaining stories. Learn information about shorebirds, their habitats, migration patterns and challenges. This program covers the gamut of our coastal birds and is perfect for new birders or those new to coastal birding.

Festival Keynote: "Welcome to Subirdia" with John Marzluff

12 & up •John Marzluff is a James W. Ridgeway Professor of Wildlife Science at the University of Washington where his research is focused on the intriguing social behavior of ravens, crows and jays and the effects of urbanization on songbirds. In Welcome to Subirdia, Marzluff gives us something to celebrate as he reveals that suburbs are often remarkably rich in bird diversity while showing that the effect our interactions have is increasingly relevant to their futures, and ours, on both local and global scales. Book sale and signing to follow.

Saturday Schedule: Excursions & Workshops

Chesapeake Bay Birding Boat Trip

16 & up • View the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Islands up close and personal! This boat trip offers eye-level views of birds, harbor seals and other wildlife on and around the CBBT islands. This is an excellent opportunity to view sea ducks, shorebirds and seabirds. Meets at Dockside Marina. Recommended for experienced birders.

​North Landing River Boat Tour

10 & up• Join Moore to See Expeditions for an in-depth eco-tour of the marshlands that surround the North Landing River. These areas provide a critical habitat for many species of wintering waterfowl including snow geese, tundra swans and a variety of ducks. This trip will provide many unique opportunities for taking nature photos. All experience levels welcome. Boat is open air; please come dressed for weather.

Waterfowl Walk

10 & up • Thousands of waterfowl visit the Back Bay every year to rest and feed during the winter migration. This one-mile walk will be led by local expert birders and focus on identification of the various ducks found at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Binoculars and cameras are highly recommended. A spotting scope will be available but participants may bring their own if desired. Recommended for experienced birders.

Fisherman's Island: A Wildlife, Nature and History Walk

10 & up•Fisherman's Island has been a marine hospital (1890), an artillery site (1942), part of Back Bay (1973) and the Eastern Shore of Virginia (1984). Additionally, it is critical habitat for royal terns and brown pelicans. Join us as we walk along sandy trails through maritime forest, swales, secondary dunes, and beach areas. Migratory birds and a variety of flora and fauna are also part of this walk. Don't miss out on the spectacular views this location offers of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel! All experience levels welcome.

5 & up • Visit First Landing State Park and explore the shore at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Then move inside to the new Bay Lab and investigate the many influences the bay has on us and we have on it.

Saturday, January 26 •8:30 - 11:30 am | First Landing State Park (2500 Shore Drive – meet at the large Chesapeake Bay Center sign in front of the main office)$10

Pleasure House Point Birding

16 & up • This 188 acre site at Lynnhaven Inlet encompasses Maritime forest, beaches, marshes and mudflats and was recently added to the Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail. These varied habitats support a wide array of birds and wildlife like songbirds, raptors, shorebirds and is home to many breeding diamondback terrapins. At one time this site was targeted for intense development, but a partnership between the City of Virginia Beach, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and The Trust for Public Land made the preservation of this space possible. Recommended for experienced birders.

Intro to Nature Photography

16 & up • Award winning photographer, G. Michael Brown will inspire you with his superb nature images. Learn the basics of your digital camera and how to apply them in capturing the extraordinary natural subjects that inhabit our area. Basic concepts of image composition and proper lighting will be highlighted using bird, flower, and landscape digital images. All experience levels welcome.

Back Bay/False Cape Terra-gator and Tram Tour

All Ages • Take a scenic tram ride through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park to the site of the historic Wash Woods community in what is now False Cape State Park. Hike the 1-mile round-trip trail to the historical site, where a church steeple and cemetery remain. Ride back along the remote beach observing shorebirds and perhaps whales while riding in our unique beach transporter, the Terra-Gator. All experience levels welcome.

Urban Birding Tour

12 & up • Did you know that there are many "birdie" places right in the heart of the city? This trip will take you to some of Virginia Beach's prime urban bird spots where a surprising variety of birds can be seen. Some of the sites are so easy to bird, we may not have to leave the bus! This trip focuses on acquainting you with various places to go birding in Virginia Beach. Recommended for new or casual birders, but all experience levels welcome. **A limited supply of binoculars will be available for loan during the class, but please bring your own if you have them.**

Macro Photography

16 & up • G. Michael Brown will discuss macro-photography and telephoto lens techniques in a lecture format. Lens selection, from 10mm to 500 mm, will be a topic. The use of filters in nature photography, multiple exposures, and abstracts in nature images will be included among the topics. Recommended for experienced photographers.

Whales & Wildlife Sea Adventure

All ages•Join the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, the longest running and most experienced whale watching entity in Virginia, in an immersive encounter with some of the ocean's most magnificent creatures. Specialized educators will share a program built upon the Aquarium's scientific research and almost three decades of experience connecting guests with the area's marine mammal visitors. Trips take place on a spacious and stable catamaran that boasts one of the most comfortable rides in Virginia Beach, and has been outfitted especially for conducting dolphin & whale watching trips. Experience spectacular views from the outdoor covered seating areas, or from cushioned seats inside a heated cabin. This ~2.5 hour adventure is an exploration in search of whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Marine mammal sightings are not guaranteed. All experience levels welcome.

First Landing Nature Walk

5 & up • Experience firsthand the amazing habitats that exist within First Landing State Park. Discover what makes the park's environment so unique that it has been made a national natural area. The 2-mile hike will take participants across swamp overlooks and through maritime forest in search of wildlife and natural phenomena found within the park. All experience levels welcome.

Owl Prowl

10 & up • Explore the night time woods looking and listening for their nocturnal hunters. Barred and screech owls as well as other creatures of the night are all possibilities for these trips. All experience levels welcome.

5 & up•Join park rangers around the campfire to enjoy this traditional nighttime outdoor activity complete with S'mores! Listen and look for nocturnal animals of First Landing State Park, especially the park's owl inhabitants.

Saturday, January 26 •7 - 8:30 pm | First Landing State Park (2500 Shore Drive) meet at the large Chesapeake Bay Center sign in front of the main office$10​

Sunday Schedule: Excursions

Chesapeake Bay Boat Trip

16 & up • View the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Islands up close and personal! This boat trip offers eye-level views of birds, harbor seals and other wildlife on and around the CBBT islands. This is an excellent opportunity to view sea ducks, shorebirds and seabirds. Recommended for experienced birders.

North Landing River Boat Tour

10 & up• Join Moore to See Expeditions for an in-depth eco-tour of the marshlands that surround the North Landing River. These areas provides critical habitat for many species of wintering waterfowl including snow geese, tundra swans and variety of ducks. This trip will provide many unique opportunities for taking nature photos. All experience levels welcome. Boat is open air; please come dressed for weather.

Mackay Island Birding

12 & up • Located in North Carolina, just one mile past the Virginia border, this National Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of habitats including freshwater and brackish marshes to upland and lowland eastern pine hardwood forests. Its location on the edge of Back Bay and the Currituck Sound makes this peninsula a fascinating place to view winter wildlife, including large numbers of snow geese. Refuge volunteers will provide a guided tour of the main refuge. Recommended for experienced birders.

12 & up • This trip will visit the Beasley and Whitehurst Tracts of Princess Anne WMA. The WMA is a patchwork of marshes, weedy fields, narrow freshwater impoundments and pine woodland. This area is known for plentiful winter waterfowl, including impressive numbers of snow geese. Raptors, wintering songbirds, and wading birds can also be found in the varied habitats here. Recommended for experienced birders. **Please note that some of the trails may be wet this time of year; comfortable waterproof shoes or rubber boots are required.**

12 & up • Take a scenic ride through Back Bay NWR on the "Blue Goose Express" observing wintering snow geese, swans and other wildlife. Journey to the heart of False Cape State Park for a chance to further observe and photograph the abundant wintering waterfowl. Scopes and cameras are allowed and encouraged. Due to refuge policy, no stops will be made while traveling through Back Bay NWR. Recommended for experienced birders.

Whales & Wildlife Sea Adventure

All ages•Join the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, the longest running and most experienced whale watching entity in Virginia, in an immersive encounter with some of the ocean's most magnificent creatures. Specialized educators will share a program built upon the Aquarium's scientific research and almost three decades of experience connecting guests with the area's marine mammal visitors. Trips take place on a spacious and stable catamaran that boasts one of the most comfortable rides in Virginia Beach, and has been outfitted especially for conducting dolphin & whale watching trips. Experience spectacular views from the outdoor covered seating areas, or from cushioned seats inside a heated cabin. This ~2.5 hour adventure is an exploration in search of whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Marine mammal sightings are not guaranteed. All experience levels welcome.

Exhibit Hall​ & Children's Activities

Exhibit Hall

Stop by Princess Anne Recreation Center for the 2019 Winter Wildlife Exhibit Hall to check out the vendors and environmental exhibitors, walk-up workshops, live animals and raffles! Local food trucks will offer delicious eats from 11 am to 2 pm. Want to become an exhibitor? Download an exhibitor application​

Walk-up Workshops: Princess Anne Recreation Center

All workshops are free and last approximately one hour. Pre-registration is preferred.

Hometown Habitat: How Native Plants Support Bird Diversity

10 & up • Insects are a critical part of the food web that birds and other wildlife depend on for survival. In this session we'll watch an excerpt of Catherine Zimmerman's Hometown Habitat film, which beautifully illustrates how our landscape choices directly impact insect and bird diversity. The film features Dr. Doug Tallamy, author of the book Bringing Nature Home, who explains the incredible value of native plants to insects and how you can make a difference in your own yard and community. Following the film there will be a Q&A led by Carol A. Heiser, Habitat Education Coordinator of the DGIF.

Saturday, January 26 • 10:30 - 11:30 am

Concepts and Misconceptions: Wildlife Myths and Old Wives' Tales

10 & up • Learn the truth about local wildlife rumors, myths, and stories; what to do and what to avoid. DGIF Biologist Pete Aker will discuss alligators, bears, mountain lions, wolves, and more!

Saturday, January 26 • 12 - 1 pm

Back Bay Bass

10 & up • Learn the history of Back Bay's largemouth fishery from folks who work and fish on the bay. The highlight of the workshop will be a showing of the award-winning short documentary Back Bay. This film tells the history of this area's Bass Fishery through commentary from several lifelong local fisherman and experts. The film will be followed by a Q&A session with filmmaker, Cory Routh, and DGIF Fisheries Biologist, Chad Boyce.

Saturday, January 26 • 2 - 3 pm

Sea Watch Station

All ages • Stop by to see what birds are flying over the waves, feeding, or resting on the water. You are likely to see Surf & Black Scoters, Buffleheads, Northern Gannets, Double-crested Cormorants, and an assortment of gulls (Ring-billed, Herring, Lesser Black-backed, & Great Black-backed). Red-throated & Common Loons, Red-breasted Mergansers, Laughing Gulls, and Forster's Terns are also possible. And if you are really lucky, you might see a Common Eider, White-winged Scoter, Horned Grebe, or Bonaparte's Gull. Bring binoculars if you have them. If not, we'll have birding scopes set up. Dress warmly!

Do you have an eye for photography? Enter our photo contest!​

Show off your skills by capturing unique moments during the Winter Wildlife Festival and enter to win some great prizes. Contest is open to all registered participants. Submissions due by 5 pm on Thursday, January 31. Submit up to four photos in our Winter Wildlife Photography Contest. Limited to one submission per category. 250MB total upload size for all submissions. View complete contest rules​

Photo Categories

Wildlife Portrait – must show wildlife during a festival excursion; animal(s) must be still. Excludes animal ambassadors in exhibit hall, children’s activities and walk-up workshops.

Festival in Action – must include festival participants participating in any festival activity; this includes: the Exhibit Hall, walk-up workshops, keynote, excursions, children’s activities, etc. Submission should capture the “spirit” of the Festival.

​Youth – any subject, any festival location; must be under 16 to qualify.

People’s Choice – any subject, any festival location. Photographs entered in any of the above categories may also be entered in the People’s Choice category. Winner will be chosen by followers of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation on Facebook.​​

Page Content

Friday Schedule

Friday Schedule: Excursions, Workshops & Keynote

Birding Tour of the Southern Eastern Shore

18 & up • The southern tip of the Eastern Shore offers many exciting opportunities to view a variety of wintering coastal species including waterfowl, sea birds, and shore birds. Visit the 4th Island of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Magothy Bay and Pickett's Harbor Natural Area Preserves and Kiptopeke State Park. Additional registration form required by January 11. Recommended for experienced birders. Lunch is not included in price. This day trip will require walking a total of approximately 3 miles; please wear boots as some areas may be muddy.

Birding Basics Workshop & Field Session

10 & up •Are you just starting to get into birds? Do you enjoy watching them in your backyard and wish you knew what they were? Then this class is for you! This workshop will introduce you to the pastime of birding and will cover all of the basics: how to identify birds, tips for finding birds, and the materials and equipment you need to get started. There will be an indoor presentation, followed by an outdoor nature walk to practice your new birding skills! A limited supply of binoculars will be available for loan during the class, but if you have your own, it is recommended to bring them. Recommended for new birders.

Virginia Coastal Birds Workshop

16 & up • Join national award-winning nature photographer, Bob Schamerhorn, as he discusses a wide variety of species typical to the coast through beautiful photography and entertaining stories. Learn information about shorebirds, their habitats, migration patterns and challenges. This program covers the gamut of our coastal birds and is perfect for new birders or those new to coastal birding.

Festival Keynote: "Welcome to Subirdia" with John Marzluff

12 & up •John Marzluff is a James W. Ridgeway Professor of Wildlife Science at the University of Washington where his research is focused on the intriguing social behavior of ravens, crows and jays and the effects of urbanization on songbirds. In Welcome to Subirdia, Marzluff gives us something to celebrate as he reveals that suburbs are often remarkably rich in bird diversity while showing that the effect our interactions have is increasingly relevant to their futures, and ours, on both local and global scales. Book sale and signing to follow.

Saturday Schedule

​​

Saturday Schedule: Excursions & Workshops

Chesapeake Bay Birding Boat Trip

16 & up • View the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Islands up close and personal! This boat trip offers eye-level views of birds, harbor seals and other wildlife on and around the CBBT islands. This is an excellent opportunity to view sea ducks, shorebirds and seabirds. Meets at Dockside Marina. Recommended for experienced birders.

​North Landing River Boat Tour

10 & up• Join Moore to See Expeditions for an in-depth eco-tour of the marshlands that surround the North Landing River. These areas provide a critical habitat for many species of wintering waterfowl including snow geese, tundra swans and a variety of ducks. This trip will provide many unique opportunities for taking nature photos. All experience levels welcome. Boat is open air; please come dressed for weather.

Waterfowl Walk

10 & up • Thousands of waterfowl visit the Back Bay every year to rest and feed during the winter migration. This one-mile walk will be led by local expert birders and focus on identification of the various ducks found at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Binoculars and cameras are highly recommended. A spotting scope will be available but participants may bring their own if desired. Recommended for experienced birders.

Fisherman's Island: A Wildlife, Nature and History Walk

10 & up•Fisherman's Island has been a marine hospital (1890), an artillery site (1942), part of Back Bay (1973) and the Eastern Shore of Virginia (1984). Additionally, it is critical habitat for royal terns and brown pelicans. Join us as we walk along sandy trails through maritime forest, swales, secondary dunes, and beach areas. Migratory birds and a variety of flora and fauna are also part of this walk. Don't miss out on the spectacular views this location offers of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel! All experience levels welcome.

5 & up • Visit First Landing State Park and explore the shore at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Then move inside to the new Bay Lab and investigate the many influences the bay has on us and we have on it.

Saturday, January 26 •8:30 - 11:30 am | First Landing State Park (2500 Shore Drive – meet at the large Chesapeake Bay Center sign in front of the main office)$10

Pleasure House Point Birding

16 & up • This 188 acre site at Lynnhaven Inlet encompasses Maritime forest, beaches, marshes and mudflats and was recently added to the Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail. These varied habitats support a wide array of birds and wildlife like songbirds, raptors, shorebirds and is home to many breeding diamondback terrapins. At one time this site was targeted for intense development, but a partnership between the City of Virginia Beach, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and The Trust for Public Land made the preservation of this space possible. Recommended for experienced birders.

Intro to Nature Photography

16 & up • Award winning photographer, G. Michael Brown will inspire you with his superb nature images. Learn the basics of your digital camera and how to apply them in capturing the extraordinary natural subjects that inhabit our area. Basic concepts of image composition and proper lighting will be highlighted using bird, flower, and landscape digital images. All experience levels welcome.

Back Bay/False Cape Terra-gator and Tram Tour

All Ages • Take a scenic tram ride through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park to the site of the historic Wash Woods community in what is now False Cape State Park. Hike the 1-mile round-trip trail to the historical site, where a church steeple and cemetery remain. Ride back along the remote beach observing shorebirds and perhaps whales while riding in our unique beach transporter, the Terra-Gator. All experience levels welcome.

Urban Birding Tour

12 & up • Did you know that there are many "birdie" places right in the heart of the city? This trip will take you to some of Virginia Beach's prime urban bird spots where a surprising variety of birds can be seen. Some of the sites are so easy to bird, we may not have to leave the bus! This trip focuses on acquainting you with various places to go birding in Virginia Beach. Recommended for new or casual birders, but all experience levels welcome. **A limited supply of binoculars will be available for loan during the class, but please bring your own if you have them.**

Macro Photography

16 & up • G. Michael Brown will discuss macro-photography and telephoto lens techniques in a lecture format. Lens selection, from 10mm to 500 mm, will be a topic. The use of filters in nature photography, multiple exposures, and abstracts in nature images will be included among the topics. Recommended for experienced photographers.

Whales & Wildlife Sea Adventure

All ages•Join the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, the longest running and most experienced whale watching entity in Virginia, in an immersive encounter with some of the ocean's most magnificent creatures. Specialized educators will share a program built upon the Aquarium's scientific research and almost three decades of experience connecting guests with the area's marine mammal visitors. Trips take place on a spacious and stable catamaran that boasts one of the most comfortable rides in Virginia Beach, and has been outfitted especially for conducting dolphin & whale watching trips. Experience spectacular views from the outdoor covered seating areas, or from cushioned seats inside a heated cabin. This ~2.5 hour adventure is an exploration in search of whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Marine mammal sightings are not guaranteed. All experience levels welcome.

First Landing Nature Walk

5 & up • Experience firsthand the amazing habitats that exist within First Landing State Park. Discover what makes the park's environment so unique that it has been made a national natural area. The 2-mile hike will take participants across swamp overlooks and through maritime forest in search of wildlife and natural phenomena found within the park. All experience levels welcome.

Owl Prowl

10 & up • Explore the night time woods looking and listening for their nocturnal hunters. Barred and screech owls as well as other creatures of the night are all possibilities for these trips. All experience levels welcome.

5 & up•Join park rangers around the campfire to enjoy this traditional nighttime outdoor activity complete with S'mores! Listen and look for nocturnal animals of First Landing State Park, especially the park's owl inhabitants.

Saturday, January 26 •7 - 8:30 pm | First Landing State Park (2500 Shore Drive) meet at the large Chesapeake Bay Center sign in front of the main office$10​​

Sunday Schedule

​

Sunday Schedule: Excursions

Chesapeake Bay Boat Trip

16 & up • View the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Islands up close and personal! This boat trip offers eye-level views of birds, harbor seals and other wildlife on and around the CBBT islands. This is an excellent opportunity to view sea ducks, shorebirds and seabirds. Recommended for experienced birders.

North Landing River Boat Tour

10 & up• Join Moore to See Expeditions for an in-depth eco-tour of the marshlands that surround the North Landing River. These areas provides critical habitat for many species of wintering waterfowl including snow geese, tundra swans and variety of ducks. This trip will provide many unique opportunities for taking nature photos. All experience levels welcome. Boat is open air; please come dressed for weather.

Mackay Island Birding

12 & up • Located in North Carolina, just one mile past the Virginia border, this National Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of habitats including freshwater and brackish marshes to upland and lowland eastern pine hardwood forests. Its location on the edge of Back Bay and the Currituck Sound makes this peninsula a fascinating place to view winter wildlife, including large numbers of snow geese. Refuge volunteers will provide a guided tour of the main refuge. Recommended for experienced birders.

12 & up • This trip will visit the Beasley and Whitehurst Tracts of Princess Anne WMA. The WMA is a patchwork of marshes, weedy fields, narrow freshwater impoundments and pine woodland. This area is known for plentiful winter waterfowl, including impressive numbers of snow geese. Raptors, wintering songbirds, and wading birds can also be found in the varied habitats here. Recommended for experienced birders. **Please note that some of the trails may be wet this time of year; comfortable waterproof shoes or rubber boots are required.**

12 & up • Take a scenic ride through Back Bay NWR on the "Blue Goose Express" observing wintering snow geese, swans and other wildlife. Journey to the heart of False Cape State Park for a chance to further observe and photograph the abundant wintering waterfowl. Scopes and cameras are allowed and encouraged. Due to refuge policy, no stops will be made while traveling through Back Bay NWR. Recommended for experienced birders.

Whales & Wildlife Sea Adventure

All ages•Join the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, the longest running and most experienced whale watching entity in Virginia, in an immersive encounter with some of the ocean's most magnificent creatures. Specialized educators will share a program built upon the Aquarium's scientific research and almost three decades of experience connecting guests with the area's marine mammal visitors. Trips take place on a spacious and stable catamaran that boasts one of the most comfortable rides in Virginia Beach, and has been outfitted especially for conducting dolphin & whale watching trips. Experience spectacular views from the outdoor covered seating areas, or from cushioned seats inside a heated cabin. This ~2.5 hour adventure is an exploration in search of whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Marine mammal sightings are not guaranteed. All experience levels welcome.

Exhibit Hall​ & Children's Activities

​

Exhibit Hall​ & Children's Activities

Exhibit Hall

Stop by Princess Anne Recreation Center for the 2019 Winter Wildlife Exhibit Hall to check out the vendors and environmental exhibitors, walk-up workshops, live animals and raffles! Local food trucks will offer delicious eats from 11 am to 2 pm. Want to become an exhibitor? Download an exhibitor application​

Walk-up Workshops: Princess Anne Recreation Center

All workshops are free and last approximately one hour. Pre-registration is preferred.

Hometown Habitat: How Native Plants Support Bird Diversity

10 & up • Insects are a critical part of the food web that birds and other wildlife depend on for survival. In this session we'll watch an excerpt of Catherine Zimmerman's Hometown Habitat film, which beautifully illustrates how our landscape choices directly impact insect and bird diversity. The film features Dr. Doug Tallamy, author of the book Bringing Nature Home, who explains the incredible value of native plants to insects and how you can make a difference in your own yard and community. Following the film there will be a Q&A led by Carol A. Heiser, Habitat Education Coordinator of the DGIF.

Saturday, January 26 • 10:30 - 11:30 am

Concepts and Misconceptions: Wildlife Myths and Old Wives' Tales

10 & up • Learn the truth about local wildlife rumors, myths, and stories; what to do and what to avoid. DGIF Biologist Pete Aker will discuss alligators, bears, mountain lions, wolves, and more!

Saturday, January 26 • 12 - 1 pm

Back Bay Bass

10 & up • Learn the history of Back Bay's largemouth fishery from folks who work and fish on the bay. The highlight of the workshop will be a showing of the award-winning short documentary Back Bay. This film tells the history of this area's Bass Fishery through commentary from several lifelong local fisherman and experts. The film will be followed by a Q&A session with filmmaker, Cory Routh, and DGIF Fisheries Biologist, Chad Boyce.

Saturday, January 26 • 2 - 3 pm

Sea Watch Station

All ages • Stop by to see what birds are flying over the waves, feeding, or resting on the water. You are likely to see Surf & Black Scoters, Buffleheads, Northern Gannets, Double-crested Cormorants, and an assortment of gulls (Ring-billed, Herring, Lesser Black-backed, & Great Black-backed). Red-throated & Common Loons, Red-breasted Mergansers, Laughing Gulls, and Forster's Terns are also possible. And if you are really lucky, you might see a Common Eider, White-winged Scoter, Horned Grebe, or Bonaparte's Gull. Bring binoculars if you have them. If not, we'll have birding scopes set up. Dress warmly!

Photo Contest

​​

Do you have an eye for photography? Enter our photo contest!​

Show off your skills by capturing unique moments during the Winter Wildlife Festival and enter to win some great prizes. Contest is open to all registered participants. Submissions due by 5 pm on Thursday, January 31. Submit up to four photos in our Winter Wildlife Photography Contest. Limited to one submission per category. 250MB total upload size for all submissions. View complete contest rules​

Photo Categories

Wildlife Portrait – must show wildlife during a festival excursion; animal(s) must be still. Excludes animal ambassadors in exhibit hall, children’s activities and walk-up workshops.

Festival in Action – must include festival participants participating in any festival activity; this includes: the Exhibit Hall, walk-up workshops, keynote, excursions, children’s activities, etc. Submission should capture the “spirit” of the Festival.

​Youth – any subject, any festival location; must be under 16 to qualify.

People’s Choice – any subject, any festival location. Photographs entered in any of the above categories may also be entered in the People’s Choice category. Winner will be chosen by followers of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation on Facebook.​​

Youth - any subject, any festival location; must be under 16 to qualify. Winning photograph received a family 4-pack of tickets to the Virginia Aquarium and The Adventure Park!

People’s Choice – any subject, any festival location; one photo per photographer may be considered for this award in addition to the above categories. Pictures were posted on our Facebook page and winner was determined by most likes in specified time period. Winner of this category received a $100 Whole Foods Market gift card!